- BMW M is developing a quad-motor electric powertrain
- New powertrain will enable precise and infinitely variable torque distribution
- New powertrain is expected to debut in next-generation M3
BMW has committed itself to electric mobility, and that commitment extends to the automaker’s M performance division.
The BMW hot house has already introduced the i4 M50, i5 M60, iX M60, and i7 M70 M Performance models, but for the main course—i.e. a dedicated M car—it is exploring a major step up in performance.
BMW M as early as 2022 announced it was testing a quad-motor electric powertrain and a related chassis control system designed to direct power where it is needed. It revealed at the time a powertrain test mule wearing the body of the i4 M50 but with elements from the M3 and M4 to help improve cooling and torsional rigidity. BMW M has now launched a video series highlighting its EV development journey, with the first episode released on Sunday. The episode provides insights into the goals of the development team and showcases some of the ongoing testing of the powertrain test mule.
BMW M has previously confirmed the powertrain consists of two motors at each axle, allowing for each of the wheels to be individually controlled. The individual control makes it possible for precise and infinitely variable torque distribution. Using various sensors, as well as driver inputs via the steering angle and position of the accelerator pedal, the torque distribution can be optimized to suit the conditions, for example providing extra grip on slippery surfaces or helping the vehicle remain stable through a curve.
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
The powertrain is also being developed with linear power delivery in mind, something BMW M has said is a core characteristic of its vehicles. This means BMW M’s EVs might not shove an occupant’s head back like many of the big-power EVs on sale today. An example of this linear power delivery has already been introduced in the Rolls-Royce Spectre.
No details on the battery being used for testing have been divulged. BMW is known to be preparing a sixth-generation battery design for its upcoming Neue Klasse EVs, and these could potentially feature in the first electric M car. The batteries feature cylindrical cells (instead of the current prismatic cell design), and together with other improvements should result in a range improvement of 30% over BMW’s current EVs.
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept
BMW M hasn’t revealed what its first electric M car will be, but a strong contender is a high-performance version of an electric member of the next-generation 3-Series, due in 2026, possibly wearing an i3 badge. The design of the regular model was previewed with last year’s Vision Neue Klasse concept. BMW M’s electric powertrain will also feature in other vehicles, including likely an electric SUV that will join the X3 family. The electric SUV is set to be the first Neue Klasse vehicle, arriving as soon as next year.
BMW M fans still wanting a gas engine shouldn’t worry just yet. BMW is also developing a gas-powered next-generation 3-Series, and BMW M boss Frank van Meel has confirmed it will include a gas-powered M3 variant.